Suspect Dead After Alleged Attempt to Ram Nevada Power Substation

Authorities investigating 'counter terrorism incident' involving New York man with extremist materials

Feb. 21, 2026 at 6:21am

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Authorities in Nevada are investigating a 'counter terrorism incident' involving a 23-year-old man from Albany, New York who allegedly tried to ram a vehicle into a power and water facility near Boulder City, Nevada on Thursday. The suspect, identified as Dawson Maloney, died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after crashing through the facility's gate. Police recovered firearms, explosive materials, and extremist ideological materials from Maloney's hotel room.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about domestic terrorism threats and the potential vulnerability of critical infrastructure like power substations. The suspect's alleged extremist views and preparation with weapons and explosives suggest a serious threat, even though no damage was ultimately done to the facility.

The details

According to authorities, the incident began around 10 a.m. local time on Friday when a 911 caller reported a vehicle crashing through a secured gate at the power substation. The caller said the suspect appeared deceased and shots were heard after the crash. Video footage showed the vehicle driving up to the facility before ramming through the gate, but it was stopped when it ran into large industrial wire reels. Investigators found the suspect was wearing soft body armor and had made statements referencing self-harm and an 'act that would place him on the news.' They also recovered firearms, including two shotguns and an AR-style pistol, as well as explosive materials like thermite, ammonium nitrate, and gasoline.

  • The incident began unfolding around 10 a.m. local time on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • The suspect, Dawson Maloney, rented a vehicle on February 12 and departed the Albany, New York area around February 14 before crossing the country to Nevada.

The players

Dawson Maloney

A 23-year-old man from Albany, New York who allegedly tried to ram a vehicle into a power and water facility near Boulder City, Nevada. Maloney died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after the incident.

Kevin McMahill

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff who spoke at a press conference about the incident.

Christopher Delzotto

The FBI Special Agent in Charge who provided details about the suspect's travel from New York to Nevada.

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What they’re saying

“The suspect had made multiple statements referencing self harm and alluding to committing an act that would place him 'on the news.' In a message to his mother, the suspect referred to himself as a 'dead terrorist son' and stated he felt he had an obligation to carry out his act.”

— Kevin McMahill, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff

What’s next

Investigators have not yet determined the suspect's specific motivation behind the alleged attack, and they are continuing to examine the evidence and materials recovered from the suspect's hotel room.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure like power substations. It underscores the need for vigilance, information sharing, and robust security measures to protect against such attacks, even in seemingly isolated incidents.